Why Choose an Accredited Cosmetology School?

Admin • Nov 06, 2017

You've made the decision to work in the beauty field. Congratulations, you've chosen a career with room to grow. Between 2014 and 2024 the cosmetology field is expected to grow at a faster than average rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Now that you've chosen a professional path to go down, you need to start your career by getting the right training. Just any cosmetology school won't do. How do you know which school will help you in the best way possible?

Make it a priority to choose a quality school that will give you the training and experiences that you need. If you're completely confused when it comes to choosing a school, start by looking for accreditation.

What is accreditation and why is it important? Take a look at the need-to-know facts about the accrediting process.

Accreditation Basics

As you start your cosmetology school search, you may start seeing the word "accreditation" pop up. What exactly does that mean?

When a school receives accreditation, it's granted a status that tells you it meets some sort of quality standard. The specific standard that it meets depends on the accrediting agency.

Different accrediting organizations have their own sets of guidelines or quality points that schools must meet. These may include offering a specific level of programming, demonstrating administrative capabilities, demonstrating financial stability, having been in business for a set minimum amount of time or meeting content guidelines.

Schools must apply for accreditation. Typically, the process includes a comprehensive review. In other words, it isn't easy to get accredited.

So why should you consider choosing an accredited cosmetology school?

To start with, accreditation isn't required. If a school chooses to apply for accreditation and go through the accreditation process, chances are they believe in their own commitment to quality. Accreditation demonstrates that the cosmetology school sets high standards for themselves and wants their students to succeed by offering quality programs.

Accrediting Organizations

There isn't just one accrediting body out there. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes select accrediting organizations as reliable agencies.

For example, the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) is a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency that accredits cosmetology schools across the country. Currently, the NACCAS accredits roughly 1,300 educational organizations in the U.S.

Of course, the NACCAS isn't the only accrediting organization. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a list of recognized agencies.

Benefits for You

Obviously, picking an accredited school is beneficial when it comes to your training and career readiness. Along with providing you with a quality education, what else can an accredited school do for you?

Think about what the goal of your cosmetology training is. Most likely, it's to get a job. The purpose of completing a rigorous training program is to get the knowledge and skills that you'll need to start out in a cosmetology-related career.

Whether that means styling hair, giving facials or working in another area of the beauty field, your education provides you with everything you need to eventually work on real customers in a real salon, spa or similar type of environment.

When you go on that all-important job interview, potential employers don't want to see that you've gone to a school that's just so-so. Salon owners and managers know the cosmetology schools in the area, and they understand what accreditation means.

If they see that you attended a school that doesn't expect much of its students or isn't considered a quality program, they may not trust your skills. But if they see that you've gone to accredited school, they may be more likely to believe in your abilities.

Are you considering cosmetology school? PJ's College of Cosmetology is accredited by two different agencies.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Mail

Making a Job Switch

27 Sep, 2021

Whether you’ve been fired or are simply looking to take your career to the next level, switching jobs in the beauty and wellness industry takes strategy and planning. You can have a job or you can build a career; the choice is yours. If you find yourself job hopping frequently, either by choice or by circumstance, it’s going to be more difficult to establish yourself. A job switch is something to be taken seriously as the consequences of your move, both good and bad, can reverberate for months and even years. Before you make a job switch, think through these 5 things. YOU WILL LOSE BUSINESS We know it feels like everyone will follow you if you do leave, but not everyone does. Some won’t like the drive, the new salon, spa, or shop décor, or even your new team members. Some clients may even be looking for an excuse to try someone new. MULTIPLE MOVES RAISE A RED FLAG TO FUTURE EMPLOYERS Salon, spa, and shop owners look at your track record and if they see you’ve moved multiple times over the past 1-3 years, they are going to be less enthusiastic about hiring an “at risk” team member. YOU MAY BE THE PROBLEM If you have moved several times and are still not happy, then it’s time to do a checkup from the neck up. The only common denominator in your career choices is you. It’s time to stop and think about what it is you really want, write it down, and go find it. WHEN IT ISN’T WORKING, TALK IT OUT Let’s face it: there are going to be times when you just are not “feeling it,” and the love and newness has worn off. When you get to that point, reflect on what you are feeling and ask yourself, “Is it true and is it real?” If it is, then the only way to work through it is to go to the source and talk it out. If you don’t, it will fester and get worse. RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE WHAT IS WORKING Look around and appreciate the perks, joys, esthetics, flexibility, team, training, or whatever else is really great about where you work. Sometimes just shifting your thoughts can create a new perspective. Moving on After Being Fired What if your job switch is based not on choice but on circumstance and you have been fired? Being fired is extremely stressful, no matter the reason. You can find yourself struggling with all types of emotions ranging from embarrassment, anger, fear, and even depression. If you’re in this sticky situation, follow these steps to turn this potential negative into a positive. LOOK TO YOUR FUTURE It can be difficult getting past the “being fired” part, but you must move on! You have two choices: you can live in a negative space and dwell on the past or you can decide to look to your future and learn from this experience. TAKE OWNERSHIP This can be as painful as being fired itself. Spend some time taking a personal inventory of the reasons why you were dismissed. Don’t play the “blame game” and point fingers at others. Take full responsibility and turn this negative experience into a positive learning opportunity for your future. Reach out to mentors or enroll in outside education to help you grow in any areas that are keeping you from the success you are destined to achieve. MOVE FORWARD It’s time to freshen up your resume and cover letters. Be certain to point out your successes and your strengths. There is no reason to mention your dismissal at this time. INTERVIEWING During your interview for a potential new position, be prepared to answer those questions you fear the most like, “Why did you leave your last job?” Honesty is the best policy, but there’s no need to get into a long drawn out conversation about it; keep it brief. Share what you have learned and how you have made a personal commitment to learn and grow from this experience. If you have enrolled in outside education and/or have mentorship in this area be sure to share this information during your interview. For other interview tips, check out this guide. Being fired from a job can shake a person to their core. It ranks in the top of life’s most stressful situations, but if you take the initiative by enrolling in classes and reaching out to mentors to move past any barriers, you can turn things around. Job switches can happen at any time for a multitude of reasons. It’s up to you to be proactive and always go towards what you want. When you need to make big changes, make sure to do your research and make sure the changes are in the direction of your dreams. If you are interested in starting your career in cosmetology, PJ’s College of Cosmetology can help. Call us at 800-62-SALON (72566) or request information at gotopjs.com.

What Techniques Do You Learn in Cosmetology School?

27 May, 2021

A cosmetology education from schools like PJ's College of Cosmetology can provide you with a myriad of beauty industry skills. Find out more about what you can expect to learn in a cosmetology training program.

6 Destinations Every Cosmetologist Should Visit and Why

24 May, 2021

Have a passion for travel and cosmetology? Here are six destinations and events every cosmetologist should consider visiting on their next vacation. Your next holiday can be relaxing and help your career.

Alumni Feature: Ashley Morales

19 May, 2021

Read about the careers of our alumni in our latest feature series. Alumna Ashley Morales answers questions about cosmetology school and finding success in the professional market. Learn more about Ashley's journey into the beauty industry and the advice she has for new students.